The NRF had forecast overall retail sales for November and December, excluding autos, gasoline and dining out, to increase 3.6 percent to $655.8 billion.

“The economy was clearly stronger in the fall and consumers were more active during the holiday season than they had been earlier in the year,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.

“Economic indicators were up, retailers offered great deals, confidence improved and all of that empowered consumers to spend more,” he added.

NRF’s data comes after the Commerce Department said on Friday that core retail sales, which exclude gasoline and automobiles, building materials and food services, rose 3.4 percent in December from a year earlier.